Integrated Learning Themes
Teachers plan learning opportunities and challenges for six themes per year group under the six different areas of learning. These themes are called Integrated Learning Themes (ILT). These cross-curricular 'topics' centre around teacher and student-generated questions building on what students know and have experienced. As there is no fragmentation of separate subjects, a more meaningful context for learning is created.
The trans-disciplinary themes are inquiry-based and skills driven. There is an emphasis on learning how to learn with learning styles identified and celebrated. Themes are based on key concepts and central ideas and draw on the learners' experiences of the 'global village', making internationalism and cultural inclusivity implicit. Students are taught to use critical and creative thinking skills across the curriculum.
By organising the curriculum through themes, the aim is for BSB students to be articulate, engaged and enthusiastic about their learning and see the 'big picture', approaching topics from multiple perspectives and making connections between subjects.
The Integrated Learning Themes create a more flexible curriculum and Year groups may change the order and title of the themes from those published in this document. However, the key concepts, skills and central ideas will remain the same.
Human, Social and Environmental Understanding
The study of
- Time
- Place and Communities
- Making a contribution
- Community cohesion
Scientific and Technological Understanding
- Exploration and Investigation
- Designing and Making
Understanding Physical Development Health and Well-Being
- Dispositions and attitudes
- Self-confidence and self-esteem
- Making relationships
- Self-care
- Behaviour and self-control
- Physical Development (Gross Motor Skills)
- Being Healthy
- Feeling Safe
Understanding the Arts
- Exploring media and materials
- Creating music and dance
- Developing imagination, role-play and drama
- Producing a Year group performance